Everything 80s

If you were a kid in the 80s, you were probably blissfully unaware of what was happening with the tumultuous economy. But this crazy financial world created the 80s as we know it. This is really a story in three parts: It starts low, soars to dizzying heights, only to come crashing back down. It was the time of Reaganomics, recession, deficits, vast wealth, and one of the darkest days in the history of Wall Street. The economy of the 1980s gave us things like the Yuppie, Strawberry Shortcake, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, G.I. Joe, and many of the defining images of the decade. Support the show on Patreon.com/80s and get access to bonus audio content

Where were you in '82? If you're old enough to remember October 1982, you may recall the widespread panic of the Tylenol Murders. In Chicago, seven people were now dead after consuming poisoned Tylenol. How did this happen? How much more was out there? How safe were any of our everyday products? This episode is part true crime story, but as much about how the news media could spread fear quicker than ever before. It's also about a public relations nightmare, navigating a crisis, the rapid safety changes to product packaging; even trick-or-treating getting canceled. So hit play, and let's journey back to the fall of 1982. *This episode contains content that some listeners may find disturbing Support the show and get bonus audio content over at Patreon.com/80s

Is your head hurting, too? I'm having trouble wrapping my mind around the fact that these 15 incredible albums are now over the hill. Today, we head back to the year 1982 which may be one of the most astounding years for music ever. 1982 gave us not only some of the best albums of the 80s--but in music history. It's a year that combined classic rock, pop, new wave, heavy metal, folk, and a new musical art form that would soon take the world by storm. 1982 was also unique as it was the only year when all four physical music formats existed at the same time. Will any of your favorites make the list? Press play to find out! Support the show and get bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

If you grew up in the 1980s, you know how sacred Saturday morning cartoons were. But as we got older, they faded away, and our interests changed. Would anything be able to fill the void of that beloved TV-watching ritual? Enter TGIF on the ABC network. Though it may feel more like a 90s institution, TGIF began in the late 80s with roots going all the way back to 1985. This episode looks back at the origins of the beloved Friday night lineup, the importance of following a formula, the real meaning behind TGIF, and the importance of branding specific nights. Ultimately, this is a story about the power of our beloved routines, traditions, and the people we share them with. If you want to support the show and get bonus audio content, head over to Patreon.com/80s to learn more.

No matter what our feelings are about the Royal Family, we've been living through historical times. And, for the Royals, there may be no era more significant than the 1980s. This was a decade where--thanks to the growth of media, cable, and networks--awareness of their every move was at an all-time high. The 1980s gave us two royal weddings, four royal births, multiple threats to the Queen, and a humorous public relations disaster. This is also a time when we began to see cracks in the facade of what was supposed to be a "perfect family." And, in the 1980s, the world would meet a young nursery school assistant who would soon become the most famous human being on earth. Support the show and get bonus audio content: Patreon.com/80s

What are your memories of 1986? Depending on your age, they may be quite vivid. Or you may only remember bits and pieces. But how do you sum up a year that had many amazing moments, but also some terrible setbacks? If you had to describe the year 1986, it may be one step forward, two steps back. Today, we look back on all the great movies, TV shows, technology, sports, and music that 1986 gave us--and it sure was a humdinger. But, unfortunately, this was the year that contained two of the worst disasters of the decade. And in between those, was a seminal moment that made all of us look up... If you're in a position to support the show--and want bonus content--you can head over to Patreon.com/80s to learn more

Whether you grew up in the 80s or not, MTV has probably impacted you at some point. Even though the all-music channel debuted way back in 1981, it continues to influence pop culture to this day. This is a look back on a risky idea that went on to define the entire 1980s and changed the way we consume music. In this episode, we'll look back at the origins of MTV (that involves New Zealand and The Monkees), the immediate impact it made, the rise of giant stars like Madonna and Michael Jackson, and the controversies that have been a part of the channel since it first launched. If you're interested in supporting the show, you can check out Patreon.com/80s to learn more.

What stores do you remember best from your childhood? If you're Canadian, one such store may be Zellers--which looks to be making a comeback--but you no doubt have your own favorites. However, this episode is about so much more than a classic Canadian store; it's about how many of our retail favorites are no longer with us. It's about the changing retail landscape that is drastically different than the way we remember it. This show is a look back on the stores that made us, the rise and fall of mall culture, and the life-long power of brands. Ultimately, this episode is about how powerful nostalgia is, and why giant corporations continue to bank on its undeniable impact. If you want to support this show--and get access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast--you can head over to Patreon.com/80s to learn more

Are you old enough to remember Halley's Comet? If you are, I'm sure you remember what a big deal its return was in 1986. For kids of the 80s, it was astounding to be able to see something that last appeared in 1910. And if you were of a certain age, there's a chance you'll get to see it again, as Halley's Comet will make its return in 2061. But the story of Halley's Comet is about much more than just a comet. This was a look at ourselves and the astonishing progress we had made by the mid--80s. Compared to 1910, 1986 was like living in a future no one could have predicted. Halley's Comet marked our progress, our technological advancements, but also, our setbacks, as its return would be sandwiched right between two of the worst disasters of the 20th Century. If you're interested in supporting this show--and getting access to more content--you can check out Patreon.com/80s to find out more.

What's your favorite video game ever? Quite often, they're the beloved games from our childhood. If you grew up in the 1980s, some of the classics probably come to mind. The 80s was a golden age of video games, and it gave us some of the most iconic--and important--video games ever created. The advancement in video games from 1980 to 1989 was truly night and day. The games at the end of the decade were virtually unrecognizable compared to those from the beginning. But it's sometimes those simple games that have stayed with us. So, ready player 1, because In this episode, I'm counting down the ten best video games of the 1980s. If you want to support the show--and get access to the Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast--you can check out Patreon.com/80s to find out all about it.